Interim Dean of Law

Position Summary

Wilfrid Laurier University is devoted to excellence in learning, research, scholarship and creativity. It challenges people to become engaged and aware citizens of an increasingly complex world. It fulfils its mission by advancing knowledge, supporting and enhancing high-quality undergraduate, graduate and professional education, fostering community engagement and relationships, and emphasizing holistic student development.

As part of its Strategic Action Plan toward further development as a comprehensive university and achieving transformative education, Laurier is committed to developing a new, unique law school in Brantford. The new law school will provide versatile, high-quality and experiential legal education to prepare students from across Ontario to respond in new ways to critical justice needs of Ontario’s communities.

During the program development phase, Laurier is seeking a senior legal academic with strong professional and academic ties to help spearhead the process of strengthening our vision and gaining the necessary regulatory approvals and support to proceed.

Responsibilities

• Working with the Law School Executive Steering Committee and the JD Program Coordinating Committee, contribute to the visionary direction, and support the development of a complete, feasible JD Program Proposal and a proposal to create a Faculty of Law.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance the law school proposal.
• Lead efforts to obtain necessary program approvals from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, and from the Law Society of Ontario.
• Support efforts to obtain program approval from the Ontario Universities Quality Council.
• In collaboration with senior leadership, engage with members of the provincial parliament and the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security to secure Ontario government funding for the prospective JD program.
• Strengthen and develop partnerships and networks as a foundation for a robust clinical and cooperative learning model in service of Ontario’s communities.
• Working with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, ensure the JD proposal is responsive to the needs of local First Nations Communities and develop mechanisms to ensure that Indigenous program development is deeply integrated and Indigenous‑led.
• Working with the Development Office, contribute to strategic fundraising plans for the law school:
  • Advise on the development of a fundraising plan to support excellence within a Faculty of Law.
  • Work with interdisciplinary Laurier faculty on a proposal for a Centre of Excellence focused on justice and development in Ontario’s rural, peri‑urban and Indigenous communities.

Experience and Qualifications

• Former dean or emeritus faculty member at a Canadian law school.
• Evidence of successful academic leadership, creativity and innovation, with an emphasis on one or more of curriculum development, program certification, Indigenization and government relations, financial and human resource management, clinical or community‑based legal education.
• Evidence of strong relationships with the Ontario legal community and legal academics from across Canada.
• Excellent interpersonal communications and relationship‑building skills, committed to developing relationships with Indigenous communities, rural legal practitioners, and regional stakeholders.
• A strong academic reputation and record of excellence in law teaching and scholarship.
• Evidence of a strong commitment to interdisciplinarity, social justice, diversity and inclusion, collegial governance, and Indigenous initiatives.
• Familiarity with the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and the Law Society of Ontario’s accreditation processes and policies.

Hours of Work

The position is part‑time, for an initial 1‑year limited‑term contract, and potential for renewal. Anticipated up to 10 hours per week.

Compensation

Grade: MG‑4B. This is a net new position; the final grade will be determined based on demonstrated skills and experience and may be subject to a Market Adjustment.

Anticipated hiring range: $105.20 – $126.25 per hour. This rate of pay is not inclusive of a Market Adjustment. The value of the Market Adjustment is based on relevant market information.

Reporting

The Interim Dean will report to the VP Academic and Provost and maintain a consultative relationship with the Law School Program Coordinating Committee.

Starting Date

June – August 2026

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialised, have disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background.